Cain to return to New Hampshire on Thurs.

BEDFORD, NH -- Herman Cain will host a "major rally" on Thursday in New Hampshire, where "hundreds" are expected to attend, the campaign told NBC News this morning.

It will be Cain's first trip back to the Granite State since he filed his paperwork for the New Hampshire primary on Oct. 12.

According to New Hampshire operations director Charlie Spano, country music artist Buddy Jewell will open for Cain at the Alpine Grove banquet facility in Hollis, NH. The Georgian businessman is scheduled to speak at noon.

Jewell first rose to prominence in 2003 when he won the USA Network's "Nashville Star" contest. He is from Arkansas.

Cain also will stop to meet with voters at the Airport Diner in Manchester that morning.